HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — Pennsylvania State Representative Russ Diamond has introduced House Bills 2801 and 2802 to regulate skill games, ahead of the upcoming October 13 deadline imposed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the removal of these games from businesses statewide.
As the Republican chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, Diamond stated that these bills aim to modernize Pennsylvania’s gaming laws and create a clear path for skill games to operate within a regulated framework.
These proposals, crafted after 18 months of discussions with stakeholders in the gaming industry and the public, would allow for skill games to be taxed at a rate of 20%. They would also permit no more than five machines in clubs, liquor-licensed establishments, and qualified truck stops.
Additionally, the bills suggest lowering taxes on casino slot machines to 49.9%, aligning this rate with online casino games. Diamond underscored the vital role of Pennsylvania’s clubs in the community, noting their contributions to job creation and social gathering.
The legislation also includes provisions for a direct annual gaming dividend payment to Pennsylvania’s 2.87 million qualified homeowners. It promises homeowners a minimum annual payment of $702, and those already receiving homestead or farmstead relief could see increases of $459 to $602 based on their school district.
Diamond emphasized the need for tangible property tax relief, stating, “I hear almost every day from constituents lamenting they haven’t seen the property tax relief promised by politicians more than 20 years ago. These bills aim to maximize that relief and deliver it directly into their hands.”
